Latest California Healthline Stories
UC-Davis Program Focuses on Physician-Patient Interactions
The “doctoring program” at UC-Davis’ medical school is designed to improve physician-patient communication and provide students with guidance to help them make good clinical and ethical decisions. Professor Michael Wilkes leads the program, which is modeled after a similar program that Wilkes started 20 years ago at UCLA. Wilkes said the program aims to encourage future physicians to pay closer attention to medical costs, preventive services and patient-focused care. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
State Report Finds Slight Uptick in Flu Shot Rates Among Hospital Workers
A report by the state Department of Public Health finds that the flu vaccination rate among hospital workers has risen slightly over the last flu season from 62.6% to 64.3%. The report recommends hospitals adopt stronger policies to further boost vaccination rates. Contra Costa Times.
FDA Issues Interim Final Rule To Avert Drug Shortages
Last week, FDA issued an interim final rule requiring drug companies that are the sole manufacturers of certain critical medicines to report a potential shortage to federal officials. Previously, companies were required only to report permanent disruptions to drug supplies. However, the new rule states that “[s]ubsequent experience has showed that even temporary discontinuance of manufacturing can have a significant impact on patient access to drug products.” Modern Healthcare et al.
Editorial: Stem Cell Research Must Continue Beyond CIRM
California voters approved a 2004 ballot proposition to fund the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine for 10 years because they “wanted to stop the tragedy of spinal cord injuries and end the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease” through stem cell therapies, a San Jose Mercury News editorial states. It continues, “Now that the end of [CIRM]’s 10-year life span is in sight, it’s time for the founders to step back and encourage universities and industry to take over the pursuit of therapies using these potent cells.” The editorial concludes, “The promise of stem cell treatments now must be kept alive with funding from industry, academic institutions and private foundations and philanthropists.” San Jose Mercury News.
Lawmakers Agree to Tentative Deal Averting Government Shutdown
Lawmakers have reached a tentative deal to avoid a government shutdown. The plan includes $69.7 billion in HHS funding, about $3.4 billion less than President Obama requested. Meanwhile, debate continues over plans to delay Medicare pay cuts and to extend a payroll tax break. Modern Healthcare et al.
California REC Selects CDW for EHR Adoption Support
The California Health Information Partnership and Services Organization has reached a deal with CDW Healthcare for technology services to support electronic health record adoption in California. CalHIPSO is one of 62 federally designated regional extension centers and is responsible for providing health information technology support to all of California except Los Angeles and Orange counties. Under the deal, CDW Healthcare will provide CalHIPSO’s more than 6,500 members with guidance on EHR selection, installation and post-implementation training and support. CDW Healthcare also will offer its supporting hardware and software through CalHIPSO. InformationWeek, Government Health IT.
HHS To Distribute $218M for Hospital Quality Initiative
On Wednesday, HHS announced $218 million in funding to help hospitals identify and spread ideas to improve patient care and reduce hospital-acquired infections. The funding is part of the Partnership for Patients initiative, a $1 billion public-private collaboration that aims to reduce preventable injuries by 40% and cut hospital readmissions by 20% by 2013. The funding will go to 26 state, regional, national or hospital system organizations, including California-based Catholic Healthcare West. Funding for the program will come from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Modern Healthcare.
Riverside County Gears Up for New Health Plan Enrollment
In January, Riverside County will launch Riverside County HealthCare, a new program to provide care to uninsured residents who do not qualify for Medi-Cal. More than 20,000 low-income residents are expected to apply for the program, which has received state and federal approval. The federal government will cover 50% of the cost of the program. Under the program, beneficiaries will be assigned to public health clinics in an effort to emphasize primary and preventive care and reduce more expensive specialist and emergency department visits. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
L.A. Official Weighs Limits on Ads for Lap-Band Surgeries
On Wednesday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said he plans to work with county public health officials to determine the feasibility of new restrictions on local advertising of Lap-Band, a device used to treat obesity. A day earlier, FDA announced that it sent warning letters to eight surgical centers and the marketing firm 1-800-GET-THIN LLC in California about misleading ads of Lap-Band, noting that they failed to provide the required risk information about using the device. Ridley-Thomas said options could involve restrictions on billboard ads for the treatment in unincorporated areas and a county-sponsored ad campaign. Meanwhile, California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has announced that his office has launched an investigation into the Lap-Band industry over alleged improper billing practices. Los Angeles Times.
Study: Reform Law Adjustment Could Expand Access in California
A study finds that an additional 144,000 Californians could become eligible for health coverage subsidies if a provision in the health reform law is changed. The provision governs how subsidies are distributed to help purchase insurance. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.